5 Easy Fried Bread Recipes for 25 People

In the world of culinary arts, fried bread stands out as a versatile and much-loved dish across various cuisines. Whether you're looking to start your day with a delightful breakfast, offer a unique snack for a gathering, or complement a meal with an irresistible side, fried bread recipes can fulfill these roles effortlessly. This blog post will guide you through 5 easy fried bread recipes perfect for serving 25 people, ensuring that your next event is memorable and your taste buds are satisfied.

Recipe 1: Traditional Fry Bread

The Native American fry bread or Indian fry bread is not just a dish; it's a cultural legacy. Here's how you can make it for a large crowd:

• Ingredients:
  • 7 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 2 cups of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Preparation:
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, and powdered milk in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Gradually add water and mix until the dough forms.
  3. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Divide into 25 pieces, shape into balls, then flatten each into a 6-inch round.
  6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Fry each round until golden brown, flipping once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Serving: Serve hot, either plain or topped with honey, powdered sugar, or a savory mix of beans and chili.

🔎 Note: The key to perfect fry bread is the dough's consistency. It should be soft yet pliable, so adjust water if necessary.

Recipe 2: Sopapillas

Originating from New Mexico, Sopapillas are light, fluffy, and perfect for a dessert or snack:

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 cups of warm water
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Honey or cinnamon-sugar for serving
• Preparation:
  1. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
  3. On a floured surface, knead for about 10 minutes.
  4. Allow to rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick, cut into squares or triangles.
  6. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
  7. Drain on paper towels.
• Serving: Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

🔍 Note: Watch the oil temperature closely; if it's too low, sopapillas might absorb too much oil. If too high, they'll brown too fast.

Recipe 3: Puri

Puri, an Indian fried bread, is often enjoyed with a savory accompaniment like potato curry:

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Water as needed
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
• Preparation:
  1. Combine flour and salt, then add water gradually to make a stiff dough.
  2. Knead for 5-7 minutes, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Divide into 25 small balls, roll out into 3-inch rounds.
  4. Fry in hot oil (375°F or 190°C) until they puff up and turn golden brown, flipping once.
• Serving: Serve hot with chole (chickpea curry) or potato curry.

🔍 Note: Rolling the puris should be even to ensure uniform puffing. Use just enough oil to let them float.

Recipe 4: Parathas

Parathas, known for their flaky texture and savory taste, can be a delightful addition to any meal:

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons of oil
  • Water as needed
  • Ghee or butter for brushing (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Combine flour and salt, add oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add water to form a dough; knead for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Let rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Divide into 25 parts, roll each into a circle, then fold to create layers (optional).
  5. Cook on a hot griddle until they start to puff, then add a bit of ghee or butter if desired.
• Serving: Serve warm with yogurt, pickles, or any curry of your choice.

🔎 Note: The layering technique is what makes parathas flaky. Practice rolling and layering for the best results.

Recipe 5: Donuts

Who doesn't love a good, homemade donut? Here's how to make them for a group:

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/8 cups of milk
  • 1/4 cup of butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • Oil for frying
  • Sugar or glaze for topping
• Preparation:
  1. Warm the milk slightly and dissolve yeast in it with a teaspoon of sugar.
  2. After it froths, add to a bowl with the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and flour; mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead for 6-8 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. On a floured surface, roll out to 1/2 inch thick, cut with a donut cutter or improvise with a glass and bottle cap.
  5. Fry at 370°F (187°C) until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  6. Drain, then coat with sugar or glaze.
• Serving: Best served warm with coffee or tea.

🔍 Note: For the perfect donut texture, ensure the dough has risen properly before frying.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Yes, you can! Most of these recipes can be adapted for vegan diets by replacing milk with plant-based milk alternatives and using vegan butter or oil for frying. For the donuts, use a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of flaxseed and water for binding.

How can I store and reheat fried bread?

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Fried bread like fry bread or sopapillas can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for a week. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them up again.

Are there any health concerns with eating fried bread?

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Fried foods are often high in calories, fats, and can lead to health issues when consumed in excess. To make these recipes healthier, consider baking or air frying, although it changes the traditional texture.

Can these recipes be made in advance?

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Absolutely, you can prepare the dough in advance for most recipes. For yeast-based doughs like donuts, you can prepare and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Fry just before serving for the best taste and texture.